Dyscalculia Benefits in North Carolina: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI in North Carolina, you must meet strict medical and financial rules. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year. For SSI, your income and assets must be low, and your disability must be severe. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if your Dyscalculia is disabling. This includes checking if you can do past work or any other job. If your Dyscalculia is severe and well-documented, you may qualify for benefits [1].

• Must have a medical condition that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months.
• Must meet financial limits for SSI.
• Must have enough work credits for SSDI (varies by age) [1].

North Carolina does not have a separate state disability program for private-sector workers, but public employees may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) if they have enough creditable service. For example, state employees with at least one year of service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may get short-term disability benefits after a 60-day waiting period. These benefits pay up to 50% of salary, capped at $3,000 per month, for up to a year. Long-term disability may be available after that if you remain disabled [2].

• State employees must have at least one year of service in TSERS within 36 months before disability.
• Benefits may be limited if you have fewer than five years of service.
• Private-sector workers rely on federal programs and Medicaid waivers [2].

• Gather medical records showing how Dyscalculia affects your work or daily life.
• Check if you meet SSI income limits or SSDI work credit requirements.
• Fill out the online application at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• For state employee disability, contact your HR or retirement office.
• For Medicaid waivers, apply through your local Department of Social Services [1][2].

• Step 1: Get medical documentation from doctors, therapists, or schools that shows how Dyscalculia limits your ability to work or live independently.
• Step 2: Review your work history. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (based on age and earnings). For SSI, check income and asset limits.
• Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need to answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and finances.
• Step 4: If you’re a state employee, contact your HR or retirement office to apply for DIP-NC benefits.
• Step 5: If you need Medicaid waivers or other state supports, apply through your local Department of Social Services.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need to attend a hearing or provide more evidence [1][2][3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with a qualifying work history and a severe disability. Pays monthly benefits and leads to Medicare after 24 months.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with low income and assets who have a severe disability. Pays monthly benefits and may lead to Medicaid.
• Medicaid Waivers: Special programs for people with disabilities who need extra support at home or in the community.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [5][8].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees and teachers who have enough creditable service. Pays up to 50% of salary, capped at $3,000 per month, for up to a year for short-term disability. Long-term benefits may be available after that.
• Medicaid Waivers: North Carolina offers waivers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including learning disabilities like Dyscalculia, to get extra support at home or in the community.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that don’t affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• State Employee Retirement System (TSERS): Disability benefits for teachers and state employees who meet service requirements [2][7].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account if your disability started before age 26. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

For SSI in North Carolina, your countable income must be below $943 per month for an individual (2025). For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI [1].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Always report changes promptly and keep records of all communications. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI).
• NC Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-888-635-7474

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and state disability supports.
• NC State Human Resources
  Phone: 919-807-7100

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

  Website

  For state employee disability benefits (DIP-NC).

• Can Dyscalculia qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Yes, if Dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or live independently, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You’ll need medical proof and, for SSDI, enough work credits. State employees may also qualify for DIP-NC benefits if they meet service requirements [1][2].

• What is the process for applying for disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Gather medical records, check eligibility, and apply online at SSA.gov or in person. State employees should contact HR. For Medicaid waivers, apply through your local Department of Social Services. Appeals are possible if denied [1][2][3].

• How much can I earn and still get disability benefits in North Carolina?

  For SSI, your income must be below $943 per month (2025). For SSDI, you must not earn more than $1,550 per month (SGA threshold). Earning more may affect your eligibility [1].

• What state disability programs are available for Dyscalculia in North Carolina?

  North Carolina offers the Disability Income Plan (DIP-NC) for state employees and teachers. Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts are also available for people with disabilities, including learning disabilities like Dyscalculia [2][7].

• Do I need to be blind or physically disabled to get benefits for Dyscalculia?

  No. Learning disabilities like Dyscalculia can qualify if they severely limit your ability to work or live independently. The key is medical proof of how the condition affects your daily life [3].

• How long does it take to get disability benefits in North Carolina?